Denver, Colo. – August 26, 2014 – Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA), the trade association and global voice of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado, announced today that its popular 5th and 6th Grade Passport Programs are now available for the 2014/15 ski season. The Passport Programs introduce fifth and sixth grade kids to skiing and snowboarding by giving fifth graders free access, and sixth graders discounted access, to twenty of Colorado’s ski resorts.

As the ski industry’s first and most influential program of its kind, the CSCUSA 5th Grade Passport allows fifth graders three days of free skiing at each of the twenty CSCUSA participating member resorts. The 6th Grade Passport allows sixth graders four days of skiing at the same twenty resorts for $99, which amounts to 80 days on the slopes for less than $1.25 each day.

Additionally, CSCUSA will offer First Class Lessons to complement the 5th Grade Passport Program. First Class provides fifth graders who are new to skiing and snowboarding the opportunity to learn the sport from some of the best instructors in the industry. Registered 5th Grade Passport holders who have never skied nor snowboarded before are eligible to receive a free ski or snowboard lesson and one day of rental equipment during the month of January, which is also Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. Fifth graders who qualify for First Class have the option of seventeen different resorts to have their introductory experience on snow. Advance reservations are required for First Class Lessons, and registration will begin in November.

“Colorado Ski Country’s Passport Programs have introduced more than 250,000 Colorado kids to skiing and snowboarding,” said Melanie Mills, president and CEO of Colorado Ski Country USA. “We strongly believe that every child should have the opportunity to learn our state’s signature winter sports and become lifelong skiers and snowboarders. The First Class Lesson program ensures that fledgling young skiers and snowboarders receive high quality professional instruction for that memorable first day on the slopes.”

To register kids for the Passport Programs and for more information about First Class Lessons, parents can visit www.ColoradoSki.com/Passport. The CSCUSA Passport Programs enjoy the support of presenting sponsor Chipotle, and program partners Christy Sports and Credit Union of Colorado.